Mlaba, Wolvaardt star as South Africa sweep series 3-0

A four-wicket haul from Nonkululeko Mlaba and an unbeaten ton from Laura Wolvaardt helped South Africa to a six-wicket win in the third ODI against Ireland, completing a 3-0 series sweep.

Opting to bat, Ireland lost Sarah Forbes early but a 99-run stand between captain Gaby Lewis and Coulter Reilly revived the visitors. Tumi Sekhukhune broke that stand with Reilly's wicket, triggering a collapse. From 120/1, Ireland slumped to 120/4 as Mlaba struck twice in the 27th over to remove a well-set Lewis (64) and Laura Delany.

Ireland managed just two partnerships over 30 thereafter and were bowled out for 205 in 45.2 overs—a total insufficient to challenge an in-form South Africa.

In reply, Wolvaardt, who hit 16 fours, and Tanzim Brits added 56 for the first wicket. Arlene Kelly dismissed Brits in the eighth over, but Wolvaardt then put on another 56-run stand with Karabo Meso. Kelly finished with two wickets, and Aimee Maguire also took two, but South Africa cruised to the target with Wolvaardt unbeaten on 100, securing victory with 17.4 overs to spare.

Brief Scores: Ireland 205 in 45.2 overs (Lewis 64; Mlaba 4-33) lost to South Africa 206/4 in 32.2 overs (Wolvaardt 100*) by 6 wickets